Jimmy Carter, Home Builder
The former president’s missions with Habitat for Humanity took him to 14 countries and built thousands of homes, bringing much-needed attention to the affordable housing crisis.
Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter at work renovating a rowhouse in Baltimore in 2010.
Photographer: Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The day after Jimmy Carter arrived in Milwaukee in 1989 to build houses with Habitat for Humanity, the work had already fallen behind. Dreary weather had followed his delegation to town, and a steady drizzle caused delays. To keep the project on track, the company needed roofers. So the former US president called a press conference.
“I appeal to roofing company heads to assist us in this worthwhile project,” Carter said. Bring scaffolding and roof jacks, too, he implored the roofers. They did: The next morning, nearly three dozen contractors showed up at the site, saving the drywall from the soak.